On December 10, in Melbourne, Malaysian Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles held the 4th Malaysia-Australia High Level Committee on Defense Cooperation meeting.
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| Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (right) and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles before the 4th Malaysia-Australia High Level Committee on Defence Cooperation meeting in Melbourne on December 10. (Source: Bernama) |
According to The Edge Malaysia , the officials issued a joint statement after the meeting, expressing support for ASEAN centrality and the bloc-led regional architecture that is open, transparent, rules-based and inclusive.
The statement affirmed continued support for the practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo- Pacific , while recognizing the value of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus and Expert Working Groups as vehicles for confidence-building and conflict prevention, as well as capacity building.
During the meeting, the two senior officials also discussed Australia's support for Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.
Regarding the East Sea, the Malaysian Defense Minister once again expressed serious concerns regarding developments that undermine peace , security and stability in the region, while emphasizing the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law.
In the statement, the two ministers encouraged all parties to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities and avoid actions that could increase the risk of accidents, misunderstandings and miscalculations.
The two sides stressed that all countries need to resolve disputes surrounding the East Sea peacefully in accordance with widely recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
In addition, maritime claims must be consistent with UNCLOS and it is important that the Code of Conduct in the East Sea be consistent with international law, including UNCLOS.
Both Australia and Malaysia affirmed their commitment to promoting an open, stable, inclusive and transparent Indo-Pacific region, underpinned by respect for sovereignty and adherence to agreed rules and norms.
The two sides stressed the importance of promoting dialogue and practical measures to reduce the risk of misunderstanding and miscalculation and prevent conflicts in the region.
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